Coronavirus continues to be a global pandemic, effecting global economies, while also being responsible for many deaths around the world. Currently, there are over 1.2 million cases globally. In the United States there are 336,958 cases of infection as of April 5th. There are stay at home orders across the US and Canada. This weekend has also been alarming with the number of US deaths reaching over 8,000.

New York State is one of the hardest hit states in the US. Louisiana is suffering too. In Texas, checkpoints are being set up to test drivers for the coronavirus who are driving from Louisiana. This week is expected to be one of the worst weeks for coronavirus in US. The next two weeks are going to be tough for Canadians as the numbers will continue to rise and hopefully the curve will flatten. The peak of the pandemic in North America is supposed to be reached within two weeks. Thereafter, the numbers slowly should start to decrease.

New York City Ghost Town Due to Coronavirus.

Coronavirus can be spread multiple ways. The most common one is through airborne transmission; coughing, sneezing, or talking to an infected person. Another way is contact with objects that have saliva or any other bodily fluids on them.

It is important to wear a mask or protect yourself with social distancing and staying six feet apart. The vehicles play a large role, since the motor vehicles parked in any public space can also have coronavirus virus contamination. People continue to drive, including for takeout food, drive thrus and just in general to visit family and friends, or to go grocery shopping, etc.

How to avoid being infected with coronavirus in a vehicle:

Wipe the exterior door handles and trunk of the car with an antiseptic with alcohol.

Periodically wipe the interior panels and seats with a microfiber cloth dampened with a liquid containing more than 70% isopropyl alcohol. It will not cause damage to the car but do not use too much liquid and do not RUB the fabric or leather upholstery too much. It will help to disinfect the surfaces.

Keep a bottle of disinfectant, wet antibacterial wipes, and disposable paper napkins in your car to use when you need to sneeze (throw away used wipes or handkerchiefs immediately) or touch your face;

Do not eat food that was lying on the car interior surfaces without heat treatment — SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted, including through food and raw water and generally give up the habit of eating on the go.

Bosch recommends changing the air filter in your vehicle.

Overall, exercising additional caution and following certain guidelines will aid in protecting yourself. Any vehicles or motorcycles can still have coronavirus on the surfaces, if a passerby sneezes or coughs near the vehicles.